Queen Of The Night
The award-winning international smash hit musical The Bodyguard recently played at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. Here, Ashley Rigby reviews the show
You know the story, the film and of course that iconic film, The Bodyguard, and let’s be honest we aren’t here for the titular character but the charismatic singer portrayed by the late, great Whitney Houston.
This musical adaptation arrives with a bang – literally – a gunshot rings out across the auditorium as pyrotechnics give way to the opening number; a spirited rendition of Queen of the Night.
The musical numbers are spectacular, multi-platinum Australian recording artist Emily Williams sings with gusto as superstar Rachel Marron, whilst West-End star Emily-Mae shines as Rachel’s sister Nicki. Serving up some impeccable harmonies in a revue of Houston’s songbook.
It is undeniable Houston has a great catalogue of hits and many feature here. Iconic numbers including Million Dollar Bill, Greatest Love, Saving All My Love, are weaved into the story.
Elsewhere, Ayden Callaghan’s turn as the titular Bodyguard Frank, comes across well. The action sequences are not very dramatic and lack suspense but are performed with aplomb.
The highlight of the show is a rousing rendition of I Will Always Love You, before an encore of I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Overall, if you are expecting a musical recreation of the iconic 90s film you will be disappointed but that’s not to say that as a show, it doesn’t have what it needs to be just as enjoyable. If you are up for a jukebox revue of Houston’s career, you will love it! As a fan of Houston and the film itself it was a great testament to the story. Kudos too, to the dancers and singers for channelling the spirit of Ms Houston.
Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard, directed by Thea Sharrock with book by Oscar winning Alex Dinelaris, had its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End and was nominated for four Olivier Awards. A sell out 18 month UK and Ireland tour followed, before the show returned to the West End at the Dominion Theatre ahead of a second sell out tour of the UK and Ireland in 2018/19.
To date, The Bodyguard has played to over 3.6 million people in 15 countries and 45 US cities. Countries include the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, China, Canada, Italy, Australia, Spain, France, the US, Austria and Japan.
